My Game, My Rules

News

FOUR YEARS LATER

HENRIETTA

“Alpha Thane would be here soon.” Autumn announced and a sly grin spread across my face as I took a glance at myself in the mirror.

“How do I look?” I probed, arching my brows.

“Charming and irresistible.” She complimented and my smile widened even more. That was the motive. That was it. That was what I needed. She had barely stepped out of the room when she returned again.

“He is here. Alpha Thane is waiting in the dining hall.” She informed and I nodded before stepping out of the room. “Coco is sleeping. Keep an eye on her. I want no interruption whatsoever.” Autumn nodded curtly.

I took a final glance at myself in the mirror and stepped downstairs.

Alpha Thane….. quite charming as always. Decked up in a suit, his fingertips tapped out a staccato beat on the table, a grin etched to his face. The moment he saw me, his smile widened and I chuckled.

“You look good.” He complimented.

“You do not look bad either, Alpha Thane. “ I chuckled and settled right in front of him. “Thank you for accepting my invite to be here tonight.”

His eyes met mine and a subtle knowing smile spread across his face. I sensed a hint of amusement in his gaze, as if he saw right through me.

“What do you want?” He probed, leaning backward and staring at me with amusement.

I smiled, trying to deflect the intensity of his gaze. “I don't know what you are talking about.” I attempted to sound nonchalant. “I just wanted to express my gratitude for your assistance and a dinner invitation seemed like the perfect way.”

He stared at me still, crossing his hands on the table and I knew my lies did not sink in. I knew for a fact that he did not believe any of what I had said.

“We need protection. My people and I have been attacked by hoodlums for a couple of weeks now and they keep stealing everything we have. I need your help.” I spoke and his lips curved into a smile.

“Why?” He probed, leaning backward and I arched my brows. “Why are you doing this?”

“It’s because I need your help and……”

“I know you run a little home, shelter for people who have no home and family but you do not have to do that. All you have to do is accept my proposal to be my woman and I will take your worries away in the snap of a finger. I will give your people shelter and you can rule alongside me as their Luna.”

His patronizing speech made my skin crawl but I managed to remain calm.

“I am a widow and I am still in mourning …….”

“For four years?” He probed and I lowered my face. I really needed his help but getting married to him? That was way out of it. Definitely not something I would want to do.

He smiled and began to eat while I watched him, trying to think of a way to convince him. Deep within, I hoped he would help me.

He was the only one who could. Our last resort and that was why I had strategically planned for us to meet the first time we did. I

made my research and I found out that Alpha Thane was an asset we needed. A strong warrior who could help with a lot more men.

My people were feeble and we needed strong men. I had strategically positioned myself to be 'attacked' when he was taking a stroll to visit another pack, two years ago. An informant in his pack had told me about the stroll. Thane had stepped in and fought the man who tried to rob me.

As time went by, we began to ‘bump’ into each other at different places and we became a little closer.

“I guess it isn’t by chance that we are meeting for the fourth time. This is simply a sign that we are meant to be together and I will make sure that happens.” Those were his words the fourth time we met and I had told him I was in mourning.

“Thanks for the dinner……” He smiled and stood up. “I will send a couple of men to help you and your people. “He proceeded towards the door and I walked him. “My regards to that sweet princess of yours.” He added and I nodded.

“Yes!” I squeaked in excitement but hurriedly covered my mouth. The last thing I wanted to do was wake Colette otherwise it would be a very terrible night.

“I am happy we can do something for our people.” Autumn smiled and walked right after me, into my room. Of course, I knew it would work.

“….. and ….. are you considering his proposal?” She probed and I rolled my eyes.

“Of course not.” I responded.

“It’s been four years. Four years after the death of your husband. I think you have mourned him enough. You should give another man a chance. Alpha Thane is a very nice man and I believe he can take good care of you….”

“Stop!” I raised my hands, halting her mid-sentence. She was right. It’s been four years. Four years after the humiliation and shame yet the pain still lingered in my heart.

I couldn’t tell anyone what I went through hence I lied to everyone that my husband was dead and I was left with nothing. I couldn’t afford to be subjected to another suffering. Not now, not ever. I had so much to deal it.

“Do not bore me with relationship talks. You should go to bed. Tomorrow is…..”

“I have news.” She suddenly spoke, cutting me short. “I have news about Lucas Smith.” She revealed and my eyes widened.

“Mom……..”

The door pushed open and Colette ran towards me, rubbing her eyes sleepingly. “I want to spend the night in your room. I can’t sleep.” She whined.